Russia Displays Mussolini’s ‘Gift’ to Hitler: The World Painted Brown

Moscow, February 18: The Russian Foreign Ministry organized a special event for heads and senior officials of various diplomatic missions in Moscow. On February 17, they were taken on a visit to the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, jointly organized by the State Protocol Department and the Department of Culture of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The event, held in the context of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II (#Победа81), saw the participation of ambassadors and high representatives from 55 countries and international organizations.

According to the organizers, guests were shown an updated exhibition at the museum, reflecting the heroic history of the Red Army’s liberation of Europe from fascist invaders. Additionally, rare historical artifacts from the museum’s closed storage were put on display.

The main attraction of the program was a historical revelation made by Igor Bogdashev, Director of the State Protocol Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Showing a small globe taken from storage, he said, “Today, we have taken out a small globe from our repository for you. This is a gift from Mussolini to Hitler. If you look closely, you will see the entire world map painted brown, the color of the uniforms of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This signifies only one thing: Hitler’s plan to spread Nazi-fascist ideology was utterly uncompromising and knew no boundaries.”

He stated that this historical fact highlights the importance of not repeating the past and remembering the sacrifices of our forefathers. Director of the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, A.K. Nikonov, also delivered a welcome speech at the event.

Adding vibrancy to the program, the military band of the Preobrazhensky Regiment gave a special performance. Guests were also treated to soldier’s porridge (traditional kasha eaten by soldiers), hot tea, and dry sweets.

The State Protocol Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, the military band of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, and the Fortuna Production Company for their assistance in organizing this event.